System and Method for Processing Information

ABSTRACT

A method for processing biological information is provided, wherein the method includes receiving biological information from a monitoring device responsive to a first party and responsive to an exercise regime and processing the biological information to generate resultant information responsive to at least one physical characteristic of the first party.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

The present application is a divisional application of U.S. Utilitypatent application Ser. No. 11/998,766, entitled System and Method forProcessing Information, filed Nov. 30, 2007 and claims priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.: 60/872,203 (Attorney Docket No.MCK-0001), entitled System and Method for Processing Information, filedon Dec. 1, 2006, the contents of both of which are incorporated byreference herein in their entireties.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This disclosure relates generally to the processing of information andmore particularly to a system and method for obtaining, processing andimplementing exercise related information.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

For many years, people have recognized the health benefits of exercisingon a regular basis. As a result, a whole industry dedicated to physicalfitness and exercise was created and has grown into a multi-billiondollar a year industry. Areas of this industry, which includes personaltrainers, fitness clubs, nutrition based products, exercise gear andfitness competitions, tend to complement each other and work hand inhand with each other to help individuals achieve an effective physicalfitness regimen. For example, a large number of fitness clubs employnutritionists and personal trainers that are readily available to advisetheir fitness club members, wherein the basic services that thesepersonal trainers perform are primarily three fold. First, the trainersdevelop an exercise regime tailored to individual clients and advisetheir clients on how to safely and effectively exercise. Second, thetrainers track the exercise performance of the client over the durationof the training period and analyze the client's exercise performancedata to identify where the client is or is not showing improvements. Thetrainer may then adjust the exercise regime of the client to maximizethe benefit to the client. Third, the trainer provides motivation totheir client, which ultimately helps the client to maintain theirexercise regime. This not only aids the client in maintaining a healthylifestyle, but also helps the fitness club retain their membership.

Unfortunately however, because personal trainers are expensive toemploy, most fitness clubs only have one or two trainers on staff toassist hundreds of members and as such, the on-staff trainers aretypically not able to spend a significant amount of time with eachindividual member. Accordingly, in order for the member to obtain thefull benefit of their club membership, the member must hire the traineroutside of their health club membership or they must analyze theirperformance and adjust their exercise regime using other methods. Whilethere are systems currently available that provide some data trackingservices and motivational tools for exercise, these systems includeseveral undesirable characteristics. One such characteristic involvesthe availability and cost of the system. For example, current systemsare not readily available to the majority of commercial gyms or to theindividual because they are expensive and require a high capitalinvestment. Another such characteristic involves the compatibilitybetween the existing systems and the exercise equipment. For example,the ability of the existing systems to connect to a typical workoutmachine is limited due to communication and functional issues betweenthe tracking system and the exercise machine, as well as due to thelayout of the fitness club. Still yet another undesirable characteristicinvolves the lack of functionality of the existing systems and its easeof use. For example, one such system employs a computerized kiosk thatrequires the user of the exercise equipment to manually input their workout data. Whereas another such system employs the use of an electronickey that can only interact with a specific line of exercise equipment.Thus, if the user were to use exercise equipment that was not able tointerface with the electronic key, the user would need to input theirexercise data manually using a computerized kiosk.

Unfortunately, all of the existing systems require the user of theexercise equipment to either use some unique device to interface with aspecific machine or to manually interact with a stand-alone computerterminal where the data being entered is prone to data entry errorsand/or misuse.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A system for processing biological data is provided and includes amonitoring device configured to receive biological data responsive to aliving being. The system also includes an interface device communicatedwith the monitoring device to receive the biological data. Furthermore,the system includes a data transfer device, configured to receive thebiological data from the interface device and communicate the biologicaldata to a processing device for processing.

An interface device for facilitating communication of biological databetween a monitoring device and a data transfer device is provided,wherein the interface device includes a first communication portconfigured to communicate the interface device with the monitoringdevice to allow the transfer of data there between. Additionally, theinterface device includes a second communication port configured tocommunicate the interface device with the data transfer device to allowthe transfer of data there between. Furthermore, the interface deviceincludes a processing device in electrical communication with the firstcommunication port and the second communication port, wherein theprocessing device is configured to facilitate transfer of data betweenthe first communication port and the second communication port.

A method for processing biological information is provided, wherein themethod includes receiving biological information from a monitoringdevice responsive to a first party and responsive to an exercise regimeand processing the biological information to generate resultantinformation responsive to at least one physical characteristic of thefirst party.

A method for processing biological information is provided and includesreceiving biological information from a monitoring device, wherein thebiological information is responsive to a first party and an exerciseregime. The method further includes receiving the biological informationvia an interface device communicated with the monitoring device andreceiving the biological information from the interface device via adata transfer device, wherein the data transfer device communicates thebiological information to a processing device for processing thebiological information to generate resultant information responsive toat least one physical characteristic of the first party.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other features and advantages of the present inventionwill be better understood from the following detailed description ofillustrative embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings in which:

FIG. 1A illustrates one embodiment of a system for processing exerciseinformation, in accordance with the present invention

FIG. 1B illustrates a side view of one embodiment of the docking stationin FIG. 1, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 1C illustrates a rear view of one embodiment of a docking stationin FIG. 1.

FIG. 1D illustrates a front view of one embodiment of a docking stationin FIG. 1, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 1E is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of the overallcapability of the system of FIG. 1, in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 1F illustrates a second embodiment of the present invention,wherein the docking station is integrated with an exercise device.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a first embodiment of the methodof the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the interaction of the system ofFIG. 1, in accordance with the method of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a second embodiment of the methodof the present invention;

FIG. 5A is a block diagram illustrating the interaction of the system ofFIG. 1, in accordance with the method of FIG. 4;

FIG. 5B is a functional block diagram illustrating the interaction ofthe system of FIG. 1, in accordance with the method of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a third embodiment of the methodof the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating the interaction of the system ofFIG. 1, in accordance with the method of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a fourth embodiment of the methodof the present invention; and

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating the interaction of the system ofFIG. 1, in accordance with the method of FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, a system and method forprocessing information is discussed herein as being applied to exerciseand/or health related information. However, it should be appreciatedthat the present invention may also be applied to other types ofinformation as well, including educational progress information,financial progress information and any other type of informationsuitable to the desired end purpose. As discussed in further detailhereinafter, the present invention allows exercise information to beaccurately obtained, stored and processed by providing an affordabledata tracking system that offers universal connectivity to commonexercise machines that allow for data generation and transfer, such asexercise machines that implement CSAFE data transfer protocols. Thepresent invention also enables the accurate and efficient transfer ofexercise information by allowing the user of the exercise machine to usecommon storage devices, such as a USB flash drive device, to capturetheir personal workout data which can then be uploaded to a databasedriven website using minimal user interaction. Furthermore, the presentinvention allows for the efficient processing and display of the data ina user-friendly format (graphical or non-graphical), thus allowing auser or personal trainer to track and compare the workout data with thestatistics of other users. Additionally, the present invention is alsocapable of offering virtual online competitions, such as races or weightlifting, where a plurality of users can submit their best performancedata for a competition event, making them eligible for rewards in theform of points, prizes, or coupons from website sponsors.

Referring to FIG. 1A, one embodiment of a system 100 for processingexercise information in accordance with the present invention isillustrated. The system 100 includes an interface device or dockingstation 102 having a machine interface port 104 and a user interfaceport 106 communicated with a docking station storage device 108, whereinthe machine interface port 104 is an shown as an RJ45 serialcommunications port and the user interface port 106 is shown as a USBport. The docking station 102 is in signal communication with anexercise device (or monitoring device) 110 via a serial communicationlink 112 between the machine interface port 104 and the exercise device110. Accordingly, when exercise data is generated by the userinteracting with the exercise device 110, the exercise data may betransferred to the docking station 102 via the serial communication link112. This exercise data may then be stored as discussed furtherhereinafter, at least temporarily, in the docking station storage device108. It is contemplated that the docking station storage device 108 maybe any type of storage device suitable to the desired end purpose, suchas RAM and/or a flash storage device that is disposed internal and/orexternal to the docking station 102.

Additionally, the user interface port 106 may be a USB port to allow theuser to easily transfer the exercise data stored by the docking stationstorage device 108 to a portable USB flash drive 114. It should beappreciated that although information transfer is discussed hereinabovewith regards to information being transferred from the exercise device110 to the portable USB flash drive 114 via the docking station 102, itis contemplated that information may also be transferred in the oppositedirection, i.e. from the USB flash drive 114 to the exercise device 110via the docking station 102. And as such, the USB flash drive 114 may beused to program characteristics of the exercise device 110, such asfunctionality and display.

Accordingly, the present invention advantageously allows information tobe transferred between the docking station 102 and the exercise device110. Furthermore, although the docking station 102 is disclosed hereinas being connected with the exercise device 110 via a wired serialcommunication link 112, it is contemplated that the docking station 102may be communicated with the exercise device 110 via any method suitableto the desired end purpose, such as a wireless communication link.Similarly, although the docking station 102 is disclosed herein as beingconnectable to the portable USB flash drive 114 via user interface port106, the docking station 102 may also be communicated with the portableUSB flash drive 114 via any method suitable to the desired end purpose,such as a wireless communication link using any technology suitable tothe desired end purpose, including but not limited to Bluetooth, RFID,Infrared, Microwave, RF and Cellular technology. Additionally, at leastone of the docking station 102 and the exercise device 110 may includesoftware that conforms to a desired communications protocol fortransferring information, such as user biological data, exerciseperformance data and/or exercise device data, between the exercisedevice 110 and the docking station 102.

For example, in accordance with the present invention the dockingstation 102 may include a processing device 109, such as amicroprocessor or microcontroller, and appropriate software/commands,such as embedded CSAFE commands, working in conjunction withsoftware/firmware and drivers residing on the processing device that hasthe ability to communicate with a variety of exercise devices 110, suchas, but not limited to commercial/residential quality exercise andcardio fitness machines; retrofit hardware devices used with exerciseequipment (including, but not limited to, road bicycles, rowingmachines, mountain bikes, ‘spin class’ bikes); strength trainingequipment fitted with electro-mechanical devices capable of translatingthe act of using free weights and other strength machines intoelectronic data; and existing fitness tracking hardware and/or software.

It should be appreciated that any and all communications discussedhereinabove to the docking station 102 may be made via any connection(and/or information transfer) device and/or method suitable to thedesired end purpose, such as via wireless communications and/or serialRJ45/RS232 serial ports currently existing on CSAFE compatible machines.The system may also incorporate other communication protocols, includingbut not limited to USB port protocols, WI FI connection protocols, radiofrequency (i.e. RFID, etc), microwave, infrared, fiber optic, and/orBlue Tooth protocols. As such, any communications protocol suitable tothe desired end purpose may be used to transfer exercise data betweenthe docking station 102 and the exercise device 110, such as via theCSAFE protocol.

Once the exercise data has been transferred to the docking stationdevice 102, the user may then transfer the stored exercise data from thedocking station device 102 to the portable, temporary storage device114, i.e. the USB flash drive. This may be accomplished by inserting theUSB flash drive 114 into the user interface port 106, wherein once theUSB flash drive 114 is inserted into the user interface port 106, theexercise data may begin automatically (or manually) transferring betweenthe docking station device 102 and the USB flash drive 114. It iscontemplated that, although the invention is discussed herein in termsof transferring data between devices via a direct hardware interface,wireless communication interfaces may also be used as desired. It shouldbe appreciated that the exercise data may be encrypted using softwareencryption algorithm(s) to prevent a user from fraudulently manipulatingtheir exercise data. Additionally, bio-metric security devices (as wellas other types of security devices/methods, such as USB fingerprintflash drives) may also be used to further enhance and protect theintegrity of the exercise data and/or system functionality. Thiscapability allows for proof of exercise with a high level of integrityand confidence.

Once the user has completed their exercise regime, the user wouldtransfer or upload their exercise data from the USB flash drive 114 to aprocessing hub 111, such as a predetermined website maintained andoperated by an administrator. The predetermined website may then processand/or analyze the exercise data so that the exercise data can be viewedin a desired format, such as a graphical manner and/or a tabular format.This upload may be accomplished by the user inserting the USB flashdrive 114 containing the exercise data into the USB port on theircomputer (standard on most computers) and uploading the exercise data tothe predetermined website. This upload may be manually implemented bythe user or automatically implemented via software installed on the USBflash drive 114 or via software installed on the user's computer. Oncethe exercise data is uploaded to the predetermined website, the exercisedata may also be processed and/or analyzed in order to implement themethod of the invention as discussed further hereinafter.

It is contemplated that the website administrator would offer servicesto a user to enable the user to view their individual performancetrends, compare their statistics to other members and compete with othermembers via virtual competitions, such as biking, running, rowing,elliptical, and other races where winners may be rewarded. For example,the user may connect the USB flash drive 114 containing the exercisedata to a data transfer device or computing device 109 having aninternet connection. As discussed herein, an executable program may beincluded on the computing device 109 (or USB flash drive 114) which mayautomatically cause all or some specific files from the USB flash drive114 to transfer to an online database associated with the website hostedby the supervising body. All or some of the data may then be displayedto the user in a desired format, i.e. graphical, tabular, etc. In oneembodiment, it is contemplated that the exercise data that is uploadedto the website may be erased from the USB flash drive 114 using asoftware program (or other method/device) designed to erase workoutfiles as the files are uploaded to prevent the flash drive from storingold exercise data. This would help to maintain the integrity of theexercise data by allowing the activity on the USB flash drive 114 to betracked. Additionally, the website may include a unique virtual onlinecompetition section that registered users can use to compete againsteach other. This competitive section of the website may be specific tocertain groups, such as the type of machine (treadmill, stationary bike,spin bike, elliptical machine, cross trainer, rower, etc), age ofperson, size of person, physical attributes of person, sex of person,health status of person, etc. Moreover, the competitive section mayinclude online competitive events, such as online racing events that theusers may pre-register for, wherein top place finishers in competitionsmay receive prizes and rewards.

The website may also provide the services of health, dietary andexercise professionals for consultations to further help the user meettheir fitness and health goals. Additionally, the website may providemotivation to the user to continue exercising through the use of datatracking, competition, rewards, health care benefits, dietaryinformation, and community membership. Accordingly, the presentinvention advantageously allows a user to capture exercise data, such asworkout statistics, biological information, machine performanceinformation, etc, from a plurality of exercise devices 110 and storethis data onto one convenient memory device for later processing and/oranalysis. It should be appreciated that the present invention allowsother information to be extracted as well, including but not limited to,machine make and model, machine performance information (measurementaccuracy, calibration, etc.) speed, time elapsed during workout, presetprogram used, date, calories burned, heart rate, distance, elevation,body fat % of user, and age/weight of user. For example, one example ofinformation that may be extracted and communicated to the website mayinclude:

-   -   Example: LifeFitness, 93Ci, 5 mph, 34 minutes, Speed training,        10-16-06, 2500 cal, 120 bpm, 4 miles, n/a, 12%, 45/185 lbs.

Accordingly, the website may allow for the comparison of data acrossmultiple different exercise devices 110 and may show registered userswhich exercise devices 110 provide them with the best results.Furthermore, the website may automatically email the registered userwith updates on their weekly, monthly, quarterly, and/or yearlyprogress. This feedback may include results or status of race eventsthat users have entered into as well as information on financial savingson health products and services to which they have asked to be keptaware. Additionally, the exercise data may be scanned to determine ifthe user has any health issues that the user may be unaware of and ifso, may inform the user of such results. The website may post local andnational rankings for users based on a predetermined characteristic,such as may be determined by profile information of registered users inone club or in many different clubs. Thus, the website would show theusers how they compare to other members of their fitness clubs as wellas members of other clubs using the system. This information may provideanother motivational tool for the user to continue exercising. Oneexample of such information being displayed may include:

-   -   Example: Leader boards for most calories burned, miles run,        steps climbed, fastest mile, in a week, month, year, etc

Accordingly, in accordance with the present invention the website mayoffer dietary advice and tools that allow users to input and track theirdaily, weekly and monthly diets and receive recommended diet plans tohelp them reach their personal fitness and health goals. Basic wellnessinformation may also be provided by the website as well as an in depthwellness analysis of the users physical conditioning depending on theamount of dietary input the users contribute. Additionally, theinvention may provide the user with the latest information on certaintopics based upon predetermined criteria. For example, a heart patientmay receive the latest information on research and/or heart healthyexercises and foods. Moreover, the invention may provide a forum sectionthat will enable people to discuss their personal opinions on fitnessequipment and industry trends, exercise techniques, diet plans, etc.Additionally, a peer-to-peer meeting section may be provided to allowpeople to find others in their local or state area who share similarinterests, such as physical fitness and healthy life style. As such, theinvention may create an online community of users who share a commoninterest (working toward a healthy lifestyle) and provide an excellentplatform for those people to meet and form relationships with oneanother.

In accordance with the present invention, FIGS. 1B, 1C and 1D illustrateone embodiment of a docking station 100 and FIG. 1E illustrates anoverall capability of the invention. As can be seen, docking station 100may include a mounting portion 116 configure to securely associate withan exercise device 110.

Referring to FIG. 1F, a second embodiment of a system 600 for processingexercise information in accordance with the present invention isillustrated and is shown as a completely wireless system 600, but may bea partially wireless system. In this embodiment, the docking station 602is shown as being integrated into the exercise device 610, but may beseparate from the exercise device 610 as shown in embodiment 100. Inthis embodiment, the USB flash drive 614 may communicate wirelessly withboth the exercise device 610 via integrated docking station 602 and thecomputing device 611 which may further communicate with the websiteeither wirelessly or via a hardwired connection. Additionally, otherconfigurations are contemplated as well, such as a system that as a userapproaches the machine, the USB flash drive 614 and the exercise device610 may automatically communicate and perhaps cause the exercise machine610 to automatically get ready or configure itself for a particular useror exercise regime, which may be created by a user, a fitness or healthcare professional or other entity. If the user (or other entity) wantsto create or modify an exercise regime, the system would includesoftware to allow this function to be implemented. It is alsocontemplated that the exercise device 610 may communicate directly withthe computing device 611 via wired or wireless connection, negating theneed for use of the USB flash drive 614.

In accordance with the present invention, as disclosed herein the termexercise device is meant to include any type of device that generates,obtains and/or monitors biological information, such as acardio-machine, an elliptical trainer, a heart rate monitor, a bloodpressure monitor, etc. Accordingly, the present invention contemplatesbeing used for any type of exercise such as biking, running andswimming, that does not use stationary fitness equipment. Additionally,the present invention contemplates being used for any living being, suchas a pet that is under the care of a veterinarian. Furthermore, it iscontemplated that some or all of the processing may be conducted by thecomputing device 109, 611 and/or by the interface device 102 prior tobeing communicated to the website for analysis or further processing.

Referring to FIG. 2, a block diagram illustrating a first embodiment ofa method 200 for processing exercise related information is shown,wherein the method 200 includes obtaining exercise related data for atleast one user, as shown in operational block 202. The exercise relateddata may then be transferred to the predetermined website, as shown inoperational block 204. The exercise related data may then be processedand/or analyzed to generate resultant data, as shown in operationalblock 206. This resultant data may then be communicated to and used by apersonal trainer and/or a physician to monitor and/or adjust the user'sexercise performance, health status and/or exercise regime, as shown inoperational block 208, as discussed further hereinafter. For example,the system may actively (continuous or semi-continuous monitoring) orpassively (monitoring triggered by an event or threshold level) record auser's parameter (such as heart rate) through either embedded sensors onthe exercise device 110 itself or through the user wearing a wirelessmonitor (such as a heart rate strap). This data may then be transferredand/or displayed over the duration (or limited desired period) of theworkout, allowing the user to share this information with their primarycare physician, cardiologist or other health professional. Thisinformation may be used to help treat the user, such as in thediagnosing of condition and/or prescribing of medications for diseases(for example, hypertension, diabetes, irregular heart beat, COPD, etc.).This information may also be used to help the user and/or user'spersonal trainer to better monitor their physical improvements, or lackof improvements over a desired period of time.

It should also be appreciated that operational block 202 and operationalblock 204 may be accomplished as described in greater detail hereinabovewith regards to system 100. Alternatively, it is contemplated that othermethods and/or devices for obtaining and transferring exercise relateddata to the predetermined website may also be used. Referring to FIG. 3,a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of the interconnectivitybetween the user, the exercise device 110 and the subject matter expertis shown.

In accordance with the present invention, this exercise related data andthe resultant data may be used by a subject matter expert (such as apersonal trainer, physical therapist and/or physician) to maximize thehealth benefit to the user as described hereinafter. Once the user hasuploaded their exercise data from the USB flash drive 114 to thepredetermined website, the exercise data might be processed and may bedisplayed along with the resultant data to the user in a desired format,such as a graphical and/or a tabular format. The raw exercise dataand/or the resultant data may also be communicated to a subject matterexpert who can then use this data to spot any potential health problems,develop a suitable exercise regime and/or adjust an existing exerciseregime to help maximize the progress of the user. For example, if afterreviewing the exercise data and the resultant data the subject matterexpert wanted the exercise device 110 to have specific settings that aretailored to the user, the modified settings may be downloaded from thewebsite onto the USB flash drive 114 for transfer to the exercise device110 prior to the user working out. Accordingly, an exercise regime maybe tailored or adjusted by the subject matter expert by allowing thesubject matter expert to modify the settings of the exercise device 110responsive to the raw exercise data and/or resultant data.

For example, consider the case where a user uploads their exercise datato the predetermined website from the USB flash drive 114. When theexercise data is processed and/or analyzed and reviewed by the subjectmatter expert it is noticed that the user is overstressing the heartmuscle while exercising on a particular exercise device 110, such as thecardio device. The subject matter expert may then inform the user viathe website that they are overstressing their heart muscle during thisexercise. Additionally, the subject matter expert may also receivenotification from the website of any irregularities or anomalies in theuser's data that may indicate a health condition worth noting, such asan unknown irregular or abnormal heart rhythm or a user satisfying ornot satisfying certain criteria for their prescribed exercise regime.This would allow for a quicker, more immediate opportunity for a doctoror trainer to address any potential problem. The subject matter expertmay then advise the user to see their physician and/or download desiredsettings for the cardio device to the user's USB flash drive 114 toadjust the users exercise routine. The user would then be instructed totransfer these new device settings to the exercise device 110 via theUSB flash drive 114 prior to exercising on the cardio device.

As an extension, the invention may enable a user to pre-load a completeor partial custom training program to the USB flash drive 114 andprogram the specific exercise devices they use during their exercisesession. For example, a custom weekly/monthly fitness regimen may bepre-loaded onto the USB flash drive 114 and the user will follow thatcustom regimen on the corresponding machine types until the regime hasbeen completed. This would advantageously allow a personal trainer tocustomize an entire or partial exercise regime and access the user'sexercise data as desired to monitor the user's progress and offerguidance. This exercise data can also be used to provide feedback tohealth club facilities regarding which machines are the most popular andwhich machines offer the best workout.

Referring to FIG. 4, a block diagram illustrating a second embodiment ofa method 300 for processing exercise related information is shown,wherein the method 300 includes obtaining exercise related data for atleast one user, as shown in operational block 302. The exercise relateddata may then be transferred to the predetermined website, as shown inoperational block 304. The exercise related data may then be processedand/or analyzed to generate resultant data, as shown in operationalblock 306. This exercise related data and resultant data may then beintroduced to a gaming environment, such as a PC game or an onlinegaming provider, where the physical attributes of the user can becarried over to the virtual character in the game, as shown inoperational block 308 and as discussed further hereinafter. Referring toFIGS. 5A and 5B, block diagrams illustrating one embodiment of theinterconnectivity between the user, the exercise device 110 and thegaming environment are shown.

In accordance with the present invention, the obtained exercise relateddata and/or resultant data may be used to augment or individualize acharacter in a gaming environment involving the user as describedhereinafter. In this case, the website may provide the user (or interactwith a separate entity to provide the user) with a gaming environmentand model the characteristics of player in the gaming environment usingthe raw exercise related data and/or resultant data. For example, avirtual character within the game may have the same physical limitationsor strengths as the user, such as height, weight, athletic ability andhealth problems. Similarly, the gaming environment itself may also bemodeled in response to the raw exercise related data and/or resultantdata. For example, if the user is not proficient at running, the gamingenvironment may include a lot of running. It is contemplated that thisfeature may also be ported over to personal gaming devices or virtualcompetitions sponsored by the website.

Accordingly, a video game such as a role playing game, sports game,fighting game, shooter/action game, etc, may use the raw exercise dataand/or resultant data to drive the attributes of a character and/orenvironment created inside a ‘game world’ (i.e. cyberspace). Forexample, in one embodiment a user may connect to the gaming environmentvia a computer or gaming device (i.e. Playstation®, Gameboy®, X-box®)and see their personal exercise affect the attributes (physical and/orperformance) of their video game character in the ‘game world’.Accordingly, as the conditioning of the user increases or decreases, theconditioning of the video game character would similarly increase ordecrease. This would also provide another motivating factor for the userto continue exercising by giving the user a competitive advantageagainst other players or against computer controlled opponents.

Referring to FIG. 6, a block diagram illustrating a third embodiment ofa method 400 for processing exercise related information is shown,wherein the method 400 includes obtaining exercise related data for atleast one user, as shown in operational block 402. The exercise relateddata may then be transferred to the predetermined website, as shown inoperational block 404. The exercise related data may then be processedand/or analyzed to generate resultant data, as shown in operationalblock 406. This exercise related data and resultant data may then beprovided to advertisers and/or used to target specific advertisements tothe user, as shown in operational block 408 and as discussed furtherhereinafter. Referring to FIG. 7, a block diagram illustrating oneembodiment of the interconnectivity between the user, the exercisedevice 110 and the gaming environment is shown.

In accordance with the present invention, the method 400 disclosedherein may allow for advertisements to be tailored to a registereduser's personal profile information, workout regime or healthconditions. For example, a 35 year old male in good physical conditionmay receive advertisements for golfing, running and waterskiing, while a23 year old male in good physical condition may receive advertisementsfor mountain bikes and rollerblades. Additionally, a 40 year old male inmoderate to poor physical condition may receive advertisements forhealth related products targeted for his age, social class and/oreducation. Since the advertisements are geared towards the informationin the user profile, this provides an excellent opportunity forcompanies to target the advertisements of their goods and services tospecific markets in various industries. Moreover, the website mayprovide a section where certified personal trainers and otherprofessionals can interact with users to discuss topics, answerquestions and offer suggestions to users on how to safely andeffectively exercise and diet. Similarly, the website may also provide asection where certified personal trainers and other professionals caninteract with other trainers/professionals to discuss topics, answerquestions or get advice.

Referring to FIG. 8, a block diagram illustrating a fourth embodiment ofa method 500 for processing exercise related information is shown,wherein the method 500 includes obtaining exercise related data for atleast one user, as shown in operational block 502. The exercise relateddata may then be transferred to the predetermined website, as shown inoperational block 504. The exercise related data may then be processedand/or analyzed to generate resultant data, as shown in operationalblock 506. This resultant data may then be used by an insurance providerto monitor the exercise habits, exercise performance, health statusand/or exercise regime of a user insured by or applying for insurance bythe insurance provider, as shown in operational block 508 and asdiscussed further hereinafter. Referring to FIG. 9, a block diagramillustrating one embodiment of the interconnectivity between the user,the exercise device 110 and the insurance provider is shown.

In accordance with the present invention, it is contemplated that thesystem of the present invention may make selected information about auser available to the user's health care and/or insurance provider asproof to the insurer that the user is indeed exercising and of theoverall physical conditioning of the user. Accordingly, this system maybe used by the health care and insurance industry, (for example healthinsurance providers) as a replacement for the honor system when trackingthe exercise history of individuals. This may allow insurers the abilityto verify that the insured is actually exercising on a consistent basisand that the insured is actually following a prescribed exerciseregimen. Furthermore, this system may also provide proof that theinsured is maintaining a health club membership, showing the frequencyand level of effort the insured is demonstrating. The insurer may thenuse this information as a basis (at least partially) for assessing theinsurance risk level and thus determining the premiums of the insured.For example, some companies and health care providers have implementedhealth incentive plans that are honor driven and that require employeesto manually enter exercise data into a database. These providers mayoffer cash incentives in the form of monetary contributions depositedinto the employees health/flexible spending accounts. The presentinvention can be used to help prevent fraud by providing a system andmethod which results in user and exercise data having a high degree ofconfidence and integrity.

As described above, the methods and embodiments described hereinaboveand in the several figures may be embodied in the form ofcomputer-implemented processes and apparatuses for practicing thoseprocesses. The methods and embodiments described hereinabove and in theseveral figures may also be embodied in the form of computer programcode containing instructions embodied in tangible media, such as floppydiskettes, CD-ROMs, hard drives, or any other computer-readable storagemedium, wherein, when the computer program code is loaded into andexecuted by a computer, the computer becomes an apparatus for practicingthe invention. Existing systems having reprogrammable storage (e.g.,flash memory) may be updated to implement the invention. The methods andembodiments described hereinabove and in the several figures may also beembodied in the form of computer program code, for example, whetherstored in a storage medium, loaded into and/or executed by a computer,or transmitted over some transmission medium, such as over electricalwiring or cabling, through fiber optics, or via electromagneticradiation, wherein, when the computer program code is loaded into andexecuted by a computer, the computer becomes an apparatus for practicingthe invention. When implemented on a general-purpose microprocessor, thecomputer program code segments may configure the microprocessor tocreate specific logic circuits. It should be further appreciated thatthe methods and embodiments described hereinabove may also be practiced,in whole or in part, via any device suitable to the desired end purpose,such as a computer, iPod, MP3 Player, a PDA, a Pocket PC and/or a Cellphone with connection capability.

It should be appreciated that although the device used to retrieveexercise information is discussed herein as a portable USB flash drive114, the device used to retrieve exercise information may be any devicesuitable to the desired end purpose, such as MP3 player type devices,iPods, USB flash drives, Blackberrys, Pocket PCs, cell phones and anyother type of device capable of storing data. It should also beappreciated that the device used to retrieve exercise information mayfurther include wireless capabilities so that the user may access thewebsite and upload exercise information via the wireless device.Moreover, the docking station 102 may include embedded software,firmware, and other drivers that have the ability to communicate withany compatible exercise fitness machine, such as a cardio fitnessmachine that is CSAFE compatible. Furthermore, although this inventionis described herein as using the CSAFE protocol commands to capturepertinent workout data and transfer that data to the USB flash drive,any protocol command structure suitable to the desired end purpose maybe used.

While the invention has been described with reference to an exemplaryembodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art thatvarious changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted forelements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. Inaddition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situationor material to the teachings of the invention without departing from thescope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not belimited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best modecontemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the inventionwill include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appendedclaims. Moreover, unless specifically stated any use of the terms first,second, etc. do not denote any order or importance, but rather the termsfirst, second, etc. are used to distinguish one element from another. Anapparatus and method for processing exercise information is provided,wherein the method includes obtaining exercise information, processingexercise information responsive to predetermined goals to generateresultant information and displaying the resultant information.

1. A method for processing biological information, the methodcomprising: receiving biological information from a monitoring deviceresponsive to a first party and responsive to an exercise regime; andprocessing the biological information to generate resultant informationresponsive to at least one physical characteristic of said first party.2. The method of claim 1, further comprising communicating saidresultant information to a second party, wherein said second party actsin response to at least a portion of said resultant information.
 3. Themethod of claim 2, wherein said second party is at least one of afitness professional, a health professional and an insurance company. 4.The method of claim 1, further comprising communicating said resultantinformation to a second party, to allow said second party to advise thefirst party in response to at least a portion of said resultantinformation.
 5. The method of claim 4, further comprising adjusting saidexercise regime in response to at least one of said second party adviceand said resultant information.
 6. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising adjusting said exercise regime by configuring said monitoringdevice to operate as desired.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein saidconfiguring includes configuring said monitoring device via at least oneof electronically downloading operational instructions to saidmonitoring device and manually entering operational instructions to saidmonitoring device.
 8. A method for processing biological information,the method comprising: receiving biological information from amonitoring means, wherein said biological information is responsive to afirst party and an exercise regime; receiving said biologicalinformation via an interface means communicated with said monitoringmeans; and receiving said biological information from said interfacemeans via a data transfer means, wherein said data transfer meanscommunicates said biological information to a processing means forprocessing the biological information to generate resultant informationresponsive to at least one physical characteristic of said first party.9. The method of claim 8, further comprising communicating saidresultant information to a second party, wherein said second party actsin response to at least a portion of said resultant information.
 10. Themethod of claim 9, wherein said second party is at least one of afitness professional, a health professional and an insurance company.11. The method of claim 8, further comprising communicating saidresultant information to a second party, to allow said second party toadvise the first party in response to at least a portion of saidresultant information.
 12. The method of claim 11, further comprisingadjusting said exercise regime in response to at least one of saidsecond party advice and said resultant information.
 13. The method ofclaim 8, further comprising adjusting said exercise regime byconfiguring said monitoring means to operate as desired.
 14. The methodof claim 13, wherein said configuring includes configuring saidmonitoring means via at least one of electronically downloadingoperational instructions to said monitoring means and manually enteringoperational instructions to said monitoring means.